Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

We will start the day early with a hearty breakfast before beginning one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the Inca Trail. As we ascend, we will pass through several ecological zones, moving from the lush cloud forest—home to native trees, orchids, and a variety of bird species—into the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes. The trail steadily climbs, winding through breathtaking landscapes and offering glimpses of the vast valleys below. This section is known for its steep and demanding ascent, leading us toward the infamous Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point of the entire trek.

After nearly five hours of uphill hiking, we will finally reach the pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft). Here, we will take a well-deserved break to admire the panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers. If we’re fortunate, we may even spot a majestic Andean condor soaring overhead. From this point, we will begin our descent, following a winding stone path into the valley below. The final stretch of the day leads us to Pacaymayu, our campsite for the second night, where we will enjoy a warm meal and much-needed rest under the starlit Andean sky.

After breakfast, we will begin our ascent up the opposite side of the valley toward the second pass of the trek. About halfway up, we will come across Runkuracay, a small, round Incan structure believed to have served as an astronomical site and checkpoint for Incan messengers. After a brief visit, we will continue our climb toward Abra de Runkuracay, the second mountain pass of the trail. From here, we will begin our descent into a valley, where the dirt path transitions into a narrow Incan stone roadway, laid centuries ago and still intact today.

As we continue, we will reach Sayacmarca, or “Town in a Steep Place,” an impressive Incan site built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the trail. Accessible only by a narrow stone staircase, this fortress features an intricate aqueduct system that once carried water to nearby farmlands. After exploring the site, we will descend into the valley, following an ancient causeway that once crossed a shallow lake. We will stop for lunch before continuing through a landscape filled with more Incan engineering marvels, including an 8-meter tunnel carved through solid rock. Reaching the third pass, we will visit Phuyupatamarca, or “Cloud-Level Town,” a site believed to have been used for ritual and religious purposes.

From here, we will begin our final descent, passing through lush cloud forest before arriving at Wiñay Wayna, or “Forever Young,” an impressive archaeological site featuring beautifully preserved terraces and buildings. This will be our final campsite, where we will enjoy dinner and rest before the grand finale of our journey—Machu Picchu the following morning.

On the final day of our journey, we will wake up early and begin our trek along a wide, relatively flat path. After about an hour and a half, we will ascend a narrow staircase of stone steps leading to Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate. This is the moment we have been waiting for—after days of trekking through breathtaking landscapes, we will finally be rewarded with our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Standing at this vantage point, we can take in the awe-inspiring sight of this ancient citadel, nestled among the towering Andean peaks and shrouded in mist.

From the Sun Gate, we will descend into the heart of the archaeological complex, where we will explore the remarkable temples, plazas, and terraces that make Machu Picchu one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As we walk among the well-preserved ruins, we will have time to reflect on the incredible journey that brought us here. After taking in the beauty and history of this iconic site, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we can relax, have lunch, or explore the town before boarding the train back to Cusco, marking the end of our unforgettable adventure.